Positioning device with actuating switching means for a hand-held setting tool
A positioning device for a hand-held setting tool (10) includes an actuating switching device having an actuation element (24), a switching link (30) for connecting an actuation element (24) to the actuation switch (13) of the setting tool (10) and having a switching member axially displaceable relative to a stationary, with respect to the holder, structural component, and a safety device (50) for preventing actuation of the actuation switch (13) at an orientation other than a predetermined orientation of the setting tool (10) and including at least three blocking members (55a, 55b, 55c) displaceable in at least three separate channels (56) respectively, and receivable in a recess (51) formed in the switching member (34) and open toward the structural component, with the channels (56) being inclined with respect to a plane (E) extending perpendicular to a longitudinal axis (A) of the positioning device, and with at least three channels (56) intersecting, in some regions, an axial projection of the switching member (34) in form of a secant and opened toward the switching member (34) in respective overlapping regions (59).
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a positioning device for a hand-held setting tool having an actuation switch for actuating the setting tool, with the positioning device including a rod-shaped holder defining a longitudinal axis, connection means for the setting tool arranged at an end of the holder, actuating switching means for actuating the actuation switch of the setting tool and including an actuation element, a switching link that connects the actuation element with the actuation switch of the setting tool, and a safety device for preventing actuation of the actuation switch of the setting tool at an orientation of the setting tool other than a predetermined orientation.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Positioning devices of the type described above are used, e.g., at overhead works with hand-held setting tools in case of high ceilings when working is possible only using working platforms or ladders. Setting tools, which can be used with such devices, can be driven with solid, gaseous, or liquid fuels or with compressed air or electricity.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,479,599 discloses a positioning and actuation device for a combustion-operated setting tool and including connection means for the setting tool, which is arranged at an end of an elongated holder formed as a rod or a bar. The rod or bar is axially displaceable relative to the connection means for actuating the actuation switch of the setting tool that is secured on the connection means via coupling means. For actuating the setting tool, the tool should be placed with its muzzle part against a ceiling and then be displaced in the direction of the ceiling with the holder or rod by the user.
Further, the positioning and actuation device has a safety device which prevents the setting tool from being actuated when the muzzle part is oriented exactly in direction of the force of gravity. For this purpose, the safety device has a blocking member formed as a ball which is guided in a recess formed as a channel and extending in the connection means diagonally to the longitudinal axis of the rod. At an orientation of the tool in the direction of the gravitational force, the ball rolls into the movement path of the rod and prevents a further movement of the rod relative to the connection means and, therefore, prevents actuation of the setting tool secured on the connection means. To this end, the rod has, at its end adjacent to the connection means, a radially circumferential recess into which the ball can fall.
The drawback here consists in that the actuation of the setting tool can only be safely prevented when the positioning and actuation device with the setting tool is oriented exactly with the muzzle part facing in direction of the force of gravity.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,014,085 discloses an explosion-actuated setting tool having a housing, an elongate holder projecting therefrom, and a ball-controlled safety locking device which permits the setting tool to be actuated only in a vertical or almost vertical orientation opposite to the direction of the force of gravity. The ball of the ball-controlled device is arranged in an annular receiving space between the holder and the housing.
The drawback of the setting tool of U.S. Pat. No. 7,014,085 consists in that the diameter of the ball defines the maximum movement path of the holder relative to the housing which is available in the release position of the ball and within which all of the necessary functions such as, e.g., initiating of ignition, must be carried out. Therefore, a very high pressing force is needed for this short movement path.
Another drawback consists in that widely differing angles result when the setting tool is lifted upward until released, and when the setting tool is lowered until blocked again; that is, the limiting angle at which a setting process is still possible when the setting tool deviates from a vertical orientation opposite to the direction of the gravitational force, can vary depending on the changes in orientation of the setting tool prior to actuation. Moreover, when the setting tool is pressed, with a swing, horizontally against a wall or downwardly against a floor, the blocking ball rolls out of its blocking position, and the setting tools becomes inadvertently released.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAn object of the present invention is a positioning and actuation device of the type mentioned above which overcomes the drawbacks described above and which makes possible a sufficiently long movement path of the holder relative to the setting tool when pressing against a workpiece while at the same time requiring a small expenditure of force.
This and other objects of the present invention, which will become apparent hereinafter, are achieved, according to the invention, by providing a positioning device the safety device of which includes a least three separate channels and at least three blocking members displaceable in the at least three separate channels, respectively, with the switching member having a recess for receiving the blocking members and which opens toward the structural component, with the at least three channels being inclined with respect to a plane extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and with the at least three channel intersecting in some regions, an axial projection of the switching member in form of a secant and opening toward the switching member in respective overlapping regions. The intersection of the axial projection of the switching member by the channels in form of a secant means that the channels do not extend toward the axis of the switching member but rather intersect its axial projection along periphery.
The novel features of the present invention insure, on one hand, that a blocking position of the safety device is reached not only at a certain orientation of the positioning device but also rotationally symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis in other tilting positions that deviate from the predetermined orientation. This is because at least one blocking member always lies in the overlapping region of a respective channel and extends thus, into the recess of the switching member. Thus, e.g., the blocking position is always then actuated when the positioning device is moved in a tilting position relative to a vertical (i.e., with respect to the orientation in a direction opposite to the vector of the gravitational force) that exceeds the maximum allowable tilting angle.
On the other hand, the maximum stroke of the switching member is not determined by the size of the blocking members. Therefore, the function, which is controlled by the press-on path such as, e.g., actuation of the setting tool or displacement of a cartridge in case of a powder charge-operated setting tool, can be determined based on an optimal force-path ratio. Thereby, a need in high pressure forces can be eliminated. It can also be desirable to be able to actuate the setting tool when the positioning device is oriented in the direction of the vector of the gravitational force and/or in a tilting, with respect to this orientation, position.
Advantageously, the at least three channels are distributed about the longitudinal axis rotationally symmetrically. Thereby, the blocking function provides for actuation of the safety device about its longitudinal axis at the same release angle in each rotational position.
Advantageously, the blocking members are formed as pin-shaped members. Thereby, a premature release of the blocking position can be prevented when the device is dynamically displaced against a wall or a floor, and the blocking members have a tendency, because of the occurring acceleration forces, to move out of their blocking position. This is because the pin-shaped blocking members contrary to the ball-shaped blocking members block the release over their entire axial length, thus, preventing the premature release of the blocking position.
It is further advantageous, when the structural component is formed as a coupling element having a cylindrical portion, and the switching member is formed as a rod-shaped member displaceable in the cylindrical portion of the coupling element. The coupling element forms a support along which a movable part of the switching link is guided. Thereby, the safety device insures that in case of blocking, the forces acting on the blocking member are smaller at an orientation that enables a setting process relatively far below the mass link.
Alternatively, the structural component can be formed, e.g., by a handle or by connection means.
It is advantageous, when the at least three channels are inclined to the plane which extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, each at an angle between 20° and 50°. This permits, on one hand, a reliable free switching at an orientation transverse to a direction opposite the direction of the vector of the gravitational force or at orientation slightly inclined to this transverse orientation and, on the other hand, reliably blocks the actuation at an orientation perpendicular to the vector of the gravitational force (horizontal) orientation, or when a dynamic pressure acts in the direction of the gravitational force.
Advantageously, the overlapping region of a channel with respect to the axial projection of the switching member has a depth toward the longitudinal axis, smaller than a diameter of the channel. This insures a reliable guidance of the blocking members in the channels though the channels intersect in form of secant the axial projection of the switching member or the guide bore for the switching member.
It is further advantageous when the recess in the switching member is formed as an annular groove closed in both axial directions of the switching member. This insures a good access of the recess for the blocking members and their easy displacement from the channels into the recess for effecting blocking when the device is displaced in a position in which an actuation is not desired.
It is further advantageous when the recess in the switching member has walls that limit the recess in an axial direction and that are inclined to the longitudinal axis so that an axial width of the recess diminishes from a radially outward end to a radially inward end. Thereby, the pin-shaped blocking members have, in the blocking position, not a point but linear contact with the inclined walls of the recess. Thereby, the surface pressure in the contact region can be reduced.
The novel features of the present invention which are considered as characteristic for the invention, are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its mode of operation, together with additional advantages and objects thereof, will be best understood from the following detailed description of preferred embodiment, when read with reference to the accompanying drawings.
The drawings show:
The setting tool 10 shown in
As can be seen in
The actuation element 24 is provided on the first part 21 a of the rod-like holder 21 and is formed as an elongated actuating sleeve, and is guided over a supporting element 23 of a supporting structure. The supporting element 23 is formed as a hollow bar. As an alternative to an actuating sleeve, an actuating lever could also be used and, e.g., arranged at a grip part at an end of the holder 21 remote from the coupling element 28.
The actuation element 24 is displaceable parallel to the longitudinal axis A relative to the supporting element 23. A base part 26, which projects beyond an axial end 27 of the actuation element 24 remote from the connection means 22 is arranged at a free end 25 of the supporting element 23 or the holder 21 remote from the connection means 22. The supporting element 23 is fixedly connected to a coupling element 28 which has a receptacle 36 for a counter-coupling element 29 at its end remote from the supporting element 23. A support point 41 for a spring element 42 is formed at an end of the coupling element 28 adjacent to the base part 25. The spring element 42 is supported with its other end against the actuation element 24 by an intermediate element 43 formed as an inner sleeve, and elastically loads the latter in direction of its initial position which is shown in
The actuation element 24 is connected to a sleeve-shaped, first switching member 33 of the switching link 30 which at least partially surrounds a portion 46 of the coupling element 28 that is secured to the supporting element 23. The first switching member 33 cooperates with a second switching member 34 of the switching link 30 which is formed as a pin and which is displaceably guided in a guide 44 in the coupling element 28 that is formed as a blind hole. The first switching member 33 is in turn connected to the second switching member 34 by a connection element 47 which extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A and is formed as a stud. The connection element 47 extends through slit-shaped opening (not shown) in the portion 46 of the coupling element 28 which make it possible for the connection means 47 to be displaced relative to the coupling element 28 and parallel to the longitudinal axis A.
The connection means 22 is provided on the second part 21b of the rod-shaped holder 21. At its end remote from the connection means 22, this second part 21b of the rod-shaped holder 21 has an annular counter-coupling element 29 which, as has already been described, can be inserted into the receptacle 36 of the coupling element 28. The connection between the coupling element 28 and the counter coupling element 29 is releasable, as it has been already mentioned above, so that the positioning device 20 can be assembled and disassembled.
Further, the second part 21b of the rod-shaped holder 21 has a third switching member 35 of the switching link 30 and which cooperates with the second switching member 34 when the coupling element 28 and the counter coupling element 29 are connected to one another. The third switching member 35 is rod-shaped and is guided in an interior space of the second part 21b of the rod-shaped holder 21. At the transition from the rod-like holder 21 to the connection means 22, the third switching member 35 can be coupled with additional switching members of the switching link 30 at least in the movement direction toward the connection means 22. Further, a driver 37, which cooperates with the actuation switch 13 of the setting tool 10 arranged at the connection means 22, is provided at a free end of the switching link 30 at the connection means 22. Spring means 49 biases the switching link 30 at the connection means 22 and the driver 37 in direction of its inactive position, shown in
In addition to the first part 21a and the second part 21b, the holder 21 can have one or more elongate parts which can be arranged between the first and second parts 21a, 21b and be provided, at their respective ends, with respective coupling and counter-coupling elements and with respective further switching members of the switching link displaceable thereat.
Further, the positioning device 20 has a safety device, designated in its entirety by 50 (see especially
The safety device 50 further has a plurality of channels 56, exactly three in the shown embodiment, which are provided in the portion 46 of the coupling element 28, are distributed rotationally symmetrically about the axis A, and are inclined at angle a from 20° to 50° to a plane E extending perpendicular to the axis A (see in particular
In the initial position of the positioning device 20 shown in
Even when the positioning device 20 is inclined relative to the orientation shown in
In
In
Though the present invention was shown and described with references to the preferred embodiment, such is merely illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as a limitation thereof and various modifications of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is therefore not intended that the present invention be limited to the disclosed embodiment or details thereof, and the present invention includes all variations and/or alternative embodiments within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A positioning device for a hand-held setting tool (10) having an actuation switch (13) for actuating the setting tool (10), the positioning device comprising a rod-shaped holder (21) defining a longitudinal axis (A); connection means (22) for the setting tool (10) arranged at an end of the holder (21); actuating switching means including an actuation element (24), a switching link (30) for connecting an actuation element (24) with the actuation switch (13) of the setting tool (10) and having a switching member (34) displaceable along the longitudinal axis (A) relative to a stationary, with respect to the holder, structural component; and a safety device (50) for preventing actuation of the actuation switch (13) at an orientation other than a predetermined orientation of the setting tool (10) and including at least three separate channels (56), and at least three blocking members (55a, 55b, 55c) displaceable in the at least three separate channels (56), respectively, the switching member (34) having a recess (51) for receiving the blocking members (55a, 55b, 55c) and which opens toward the structural component,
- wherein the at least three channels (56) are inclined with respect to a plane (E) extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A), and
- wherein the at least three channels (56) intersect, in some regions, an axial projection of the switching member (34) in form of a secant and are open toward the switching member (34) in respective overlapping regions (59).
2. A positioning device according to claim 1, wherein the at least three channels (56) are distributed about the longitudinal axis (A) rotationally symmetrically.
3. A positioning device according to claim 1, wherein the blocking members (55a, 55b, 55c) are pin-shaped.
4. A positioning device according to claim 1, wherein the structural component is formed as a coupling element (28) having a cylindrical portion (46), and the switching member (34) is formed as a rod-shaped member displaceable in the cylindrical portion (46) of the coupling element (28).
5. A positioning device according to claim 1, wherein the at least three channels (56) are inclined to the plane (E), which extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A), each at an angle (α) between 20° and 50°.
6. A positioning device according to claim 1, wherein an overlapping region of a channel (56) with respect to the axial projection of the switching member (34) on the longitudinal axis (A) has a depth (T) smaller than a diameter (D) of the channel (56).
7. A positioning device according to claim 1, wherein the recess (51) in the switching member (34) is formed as an annular groove closed in both axial directions of the switching member (34).
8. A positioning device according to claim 1, wherein the recess (51) in the switching member (34) has walls (52) that limit the recess (51) in an axial direction and that are inclined to the longitudinal axis (A) so that an axial width of the recess (51) diminishes from a radially outward side to a radially inward side.
Type: Application
Filed: May 29, 2008
Publication Date: Dec 4, 2008
Patent Grant number: 7913888
Applicant:
Inventors: Matthias Blessing (Frastanz), Walter Schaepper (Buchs)
Application Number: 12/156,190
International Classification: B25C 1/18 (20060101); B25C 1/00 (20060101);